AFC North 2013 Free Agency Day Four Recap

Below is your free agency recap of free agency in the AFC North on Friday. Most of the news centered around the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the Baltimore Ravens did have a few signings of their own.

Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers had in a slew of visitors in on Friday, but tight end Kellen Davis, running back Beanie Wells and linebacker Victor Butler all left without deals. It was reported that Wells has a “bad wheel” in addition. Tight end Matt Spaeth, formerly of the Chicago Bears, did agree to terms on Friday and his official signing is imminent. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, as all of you should know by now, visited with the New England Patriots on Friday. He has yet to sign an offer sheet, however, but that doesn\’t mean that he won\’t in the future. The Patriots released wide receiver Brandon Lloyd on Saturday to avoid paying him the $3 million bonus he was due.

Baltimore Ravens – On Friday the Ravens didn\’t lose anybody to free agency, but they did sign former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears to two-year, $3.55 million contract. It\’s a curious signing as Spears is mostly considered a run-stopper and not a pass rusher. In addition to Spears, the Ravens re-signed a few of their own free agents in cornerback Chris Johnson and offensive lineman Ramon Harewood. Safety Ed Reed reportedly visited with the Houston Texans on Friday, but left town without a contract.

Cleveland Browns – The Browns didn\’t have any action on Friday. Wide receiver Josh Cribbs, however, is almost certain to not return, but he has yet to sign with another team.

Cincinnati Bengals – Like the Browns, the Bengals had no action on Friday and have remained relatively quiet since the start of free agency, despite the fact that they have a ton of cap space to work with.

The Steelers could be like the Bengals and do nothing but watch their guys get signed by other teams. Mike Brown is just pocketing all that extra cap room.

Jazz

The Steelers made tendering offers to Emmanuel Sanders, Dywer, NT Steve McClendon, and RB Issac Redman. Redman and McClendon were not drafted, therefore if someone signs them the Steelers can either match it or risk losing them and get nothing in return. If someone signs Dwyer or Sanders, they would receive a 6th RD draft pick for Dwyer and a 3rd for Sanders. This is the Steelers way, sit back and watch the other teams throw their money away.
They did resign Math Spaeth, probably insurance for Heath Miller; now they don’t have to go out and use a draft pick. I really do think the Steelers will use two draft picks next month on WR’s, possibly two on LB’s as well.
The F/O appears to be very proactive; I’m sure they already know who they will target after the draft is over as well. It looks as though they have targeted some ILB/OLB’s provided they aren’t drafted. It’s amazing, Colbert is terrible selecting depth rounds 4-7, they do a better job picking up players that weren’t even drafted. Players such as:
James Harrison, Willie Parker, Steve McClendon, Issac Redman, Barron Batch